Baked Garlic & Dill Tilapia

When you think of Tilapia, what comes to mind? A fancy restaurant filet? Fish and chips? Salmon, because you wish you had dijon crusted salmon instead of tilapia? (Hey, we all have our favorites…). For me, it always goes back to the good ole’ fashioned home cooking. When I think of tilapia, I think of cutting lemon wedges while eagerly anticipating what’s about to come out of the oven. I think of how many different ways I can prepare such a versatile fish, and I think of how much my family is going to love it when it’s done. I especially love preparing this dish as the weather is warming up, the perfect light meal for springtime.

Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy a good fish dinner out on the town. In fact, I spend most of the year dreaming about our annual trip to the Florida shore. I cannot find enough words to explain the seafood in the Tampa area. If you stay away from the chain restaurants and find the local hot spots, the seafood will officially Blow. Your. Mind. There are multiple restaurants in the area that have their own fishing boats, bringing their catch right back into the restaurant. We also like to visit a local fisherman in the area who sells grouper right off his boat. I’m not sure you can get much fresher than that.

So now, without further adieu, I give you: Baked Garlic & Dill Tilapia

Baked Garlic & Dill Tilapia – This fish is herby, crispy and delicious. You can use any white fish, but I recommend using either tilapia or cod. Try mixing different fresh herbs in with the breadcrumbs, such as basil or parsley. – breadcrumbs (plain), tilapia, cherry tomatoes, garlic powder, dill (fresh, chopped), kosher salt, black pepper, cooking spray (for greasing pan and top of fish), Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside. ; In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic, salt, pepper and fresh dill. Stir until all ingredients are combined.; One at a time, place each tilapia filet in bowl of breadcrumbs. Coat each side of the fish in breadcrumbs and transfer to baking dish. Lay each filet next to each other. ; Once all filets are in the baking dish, spray tops with cooking oil, coating breadcrumbs evenly. Then add cherry tomatoes on top of filets. ; Transfer to oven. Bake for 15-20 minute, or until fish flakes easily with a fork. ; –